In 1867, Alfred Nobel patented dynamite.

Early scientists recognized that they had a powerful explosive source in the compound nitroglycerine. The only problem was that nitroglycerine was extremely sensitive to the slightest shock, so it was very difficult to determine under which conditions it would explode.

Alfred Nobel began to study the problem. He realized that he needed a safe way to transport the nitroglycerine. Nobel’s solution was to mix the nitroglycerine (an oily substance) with silica (a ground-up mineral), forming a dough-like paste that could be molded into any shape. He called this compound dynamite, from the Greek dynamis, meaning “power.”

Soon after Nobel developed a blasting cap that would safely detonate the dynamite. His resulting product is considered as one of humankind’s most important inventions. It has changed the way we live, changed the way we wage war, and it also changed the face of the earth. The power of dynamite led to the construction of large buildings, the creation of roads and tunnels, and to the mining of precious natural resources.

Though we marvel at such an explosive resource, the power of dynamite pales in comparison to the power of our God. With a word he created the heavens and earth. At his command the sun and moon came into existence. He put the stars in place and named each one. God has the power to move mountains, part seas, and calm the winds at his command. He controls the nations and all their rulers. It is the same power that raised Jesus from the grave and defeated death and Satan with one blow. The incredible news is that such a power source is available to us every day as we come to God and put our confidence in him.

So power up!

I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of his power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 1:19, 20).

To Do

Enjoy some type of power bar today and think about God’s incredible power in the world around you.

Also on this day

Today is National Parfait Day.

1817—The first sword swallower in the United States performed in New York City.

1990—Lech Walesa won Poland’s first popular election.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.